Alcea rosea

Botanical Nomenclature

Alcea rosea

Common Name

Common Hollyhock

Taxonomy- Family

Malvaceae

Distinguishing Features of the Plant

Alcea rosea is a herbaceous, perennial plant growing from 0,6 up to 2,4m, with palmate, toothed, pubescent, gray-green leaves and red, pink, purple or white, funnel-shaped flowers. The flowering lasts from June to August, the harvesting takes place in autumn and the fruiting happens from September to October.

The whole plant has anti-inflammatory, astringent, emollient, diuretic and antipyretic properties. The herbal tea is recommended to improve blood circulation and for the treatment of constipation, dysmenorrhea, bleeding, laryngitis, pharyngitis, stomatitis, bronchitis, common cold, cystitis, kidney stones and ulcers. It is applied to the mouth or it is used in the form of gargles against gingivitis, sores and tooth decay. Finally, it is applied externally to the skin against bruises, wounds and skin inflammation.

Method of Administration

The plant is administered in the form of herbal tea (one spoon of dried flowers or leaves in a cup of boiled water, once a day) and in the form of infusion (two spoons of dried leaves in warm water for 10min, once a day). It is applied externally to the skin in the form of ointment and poultice (7-9g of dried root in boiled water for 10-15min, 2-3 times a day).

Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions.